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Nestlé commits to 100% cage-free eggs in the United States

22 December 2015

Our partner Nestlé, the world’s largest food company, have announced a ground breaking commitment to source only cage-free eggs for all of their products in the United States.

The announcement is the latest in a wave of recent commitments from other companies in the United States, who have also turned their backs on battery cages for hens. Nestlé uses an estimated 20 million pounds of eggs for its products so this decision, which will be fully implemented across their supply chains by 2020, will dramatically improve the lives of millions of hens for years to come. What’s more, Nestlé have also made strong commitments in countries outside of the United States where they will strive to match the standards they are setting in North America.

Partnering to protect animals

We have been working with Nestlé to develop their expertise on animal protection as a vital part of their Responsible Sourcing Strategy. Our focus is to ensure the highest possible levels of welfare for the rearing and caring of the millions of animals involved in global food production.

This pledge from Nestlé is the first of many major announcements to come as we continue to work together.

Martin Cooke, our International Head of Corporate Engagement, said, “Nearly 300 million hens in the U.S. are kept in barren, battery cages where each hen lives on a space smaller than an iPad, unable to stretch their wings or move around freely; all to produce one of our most basic food staples – eggs.”

“We are proud to partner with Nestlé who are listening to their customers’ concerns and putting animal welfare at the forefront of their purchasing power. They are taking a responsible approach to their sourcing of eggs, which will ultimately improve the lives of millions of hens. Major food companies like Nestlé have the influence to bring about positive change at every level of the supply chain.”

Paul Bakus, President of Nestlé Corporate Affairs, added “Our products are in the fridges and pantries of socially-conscious consumers across the United States, and we share their belief in the importance of responsibly-sourced ingredients."

“The move to using exclusively cage-free eggs is one more way that we’re responding to consumers and establishing a precedent for farm animal welfare.”

“We are proud to partner with Nestlé who are listening to their customers’ concerns and putting animal welfare at the forefront of their purchasing power. They are taking a responsible approach to their sourcing of eggs, which will ultimately improve the lives of millions of hens."